Industrial Manufacturing Engineer

ARi; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ARi is seeking an Industrial Engineer to optimize manufacturing processes and drive Lean initiatives. You'll work with production teams to enhance operational efficiency and streamline workflows.

The ideal candidate has 8–10 years of experience, a degree in Engineering, and a strong background in capacity planning, project management, and Lean principles.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or related manufacturing environments.
• Strong data analytics and reporting capabilities with a focus on operational insights.
• Leadership experience guiding teams or supporting cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize end-to-end material flow and manufacturing process flow.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics including throughput and lead time.

Skills

Capacity Planning & Management

Project Management

Lean Manufacturing

Judgment & Decision Making

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline

Tools

Power Apps

CAD

Job description

• Design, analyze, and optimize end-to-end material flow and manufacturing process flow across the production value stream.
• Drive throughput improvements by reducing work-in-progress (WIP), minimizing lead time, and eliminating operational bottlenecks.
• Lead value stream mapping initiatives and implement future-state manufacturing flow improvements.
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics including throughput, on-time delivery, lead time, labor utilization, and capacity performance.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives focused on production KPI digitization, workflow automation, and integration of autonomous robotics technologies into manufacturing operations.
• Develop and optimize staffing models, labor planning strategies, and workforce utilization aligned with production demand and operational goals.
• Serve as a lead engineer supporting cross-functional manufacturing initiatives and influencing teams to achieve productivity, flow, and operational performance objectives.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies such as A3, DMAIC, and root cause analysis.
• Partner closely with Production, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality teams to align staffing, materials, equipment, and execution priorities.
• Support process optimization, workflow automation, and operational efficiency projects across manufacturing facilities.
• Analyze manufacturing data and operational trends to provide actionable insights and drive informed business decisions.
• Participate in capacity planning, process optimization, and strategic manufacturing improvement initiatives.

Required Skills

• Capacity Planning & Management – Strong understanding of manufacturing capacity planning tools, production demand forecasting, and resource management practices.
• Project Management – Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and execute projects while effectively utilizing technical and operational resources.
• Lean Manufacturing – Deep knowledge of Lean principles, waste elimination, continuous improvement methodologies, and manufacturing optimization practices.
• Judgment & Decision Making – Ability to evaluate operational challenges, assess risks, and implement effective solutions that maximize organizational performance.
• Problem Solving – Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills with experience resolving manufacturing and operational issues.

Required Technical Skills

• Experience with Power Apps for workflow automation and process digitization.
• Strong data analytics and reporting capabilities with focus on operational insights and KPI analysis.
• Working knowledge of AI tools and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Leadership experience guiding teams or supporting cross-functional initiatives.
• MODAPTS certification preferred.
• CAD experience supporting manufacturing layouts, workflows, or process improvements.
• Experience with value stream mapping, throughput optimization, and labor utilization analysis.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, production processes, and operational flow optimization.

Required Soft Skills

• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous and fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Strong organizational and leadership capabilities.
• Self-driven mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required.
• 8–10 years of experience in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or related manufacturing environments.
• Internship experience will not be considered toward total experience requirements.
• Experience in manufacturing operations, Lean transformation, production optimization, or operational excellence initiatives required.

Team Structure

• Work collaboratively with a team of 4 Industrial Engineers.
• Regular interaction with Production, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
• Manufacturing production facility environment with multiple production machines and manufacturing operations.
• Combination of office-based analysis work and hands-on manufacturing floor engagement.
• Fast-paced and highly collaborative operational environment.